Civil war cartridge.

[toot]

I have a CIVIL WAR SHARPS & HANKINS. it is apparently a rim fire. what can be made to adapt in it for being able to fire it?

[Ajohns]

I believe they're 56/50, or 56/52 Spencer cartridge.
Rimfire, yes. Roberson Co sells brass (though not cheap) and would get you going. You add an acorn 22 blank to the rim to set it off. And if you search, there's a ton of info on this forum under the rimfire section that can guide you along. I'm sure there are others can tell you more.
I'm interested as I have one too. One may have to slug the bore to make sure what size it actually is.

[Lostinidaho]

I have one and it is fun to shoot. Mine is in .45 caliber and center fire. A conversion that happened after the end of the civil war. My Dad has one that is rimfire. He got cases from Dixie. But Dixie doesn't sell them anymore.

[toot]

thank's for the help guys. I will look into the site you provided me.

[missionary5155]

When we get north again we get out our caliber 54 Spencer. We still have the rim-fire Breech block but also years back bought a center fire block.
But you can make your own rim fire brass from center fire Starline brass.
But do buy 5 to get started..
Each rim-fire will take about 5 minutes each but do them in batches of 10 to keep or sanity.
On you tube are several videos how to make Specner Brass...
Off and on center fire Spencer blocks are for sale. Patience and searching will find you one. Running about $150-200

[Ajohns]

When we get north again we get out our caliber 54 Spencer. We still have the rim-fire Breech block but also years back bought a center fire block.
But you can make your own rim fire brass from center fire Starline brass.
But do buy 5 to get started..
Each rim-fire will take about 5 minutes each but do them in batches of 10 to keep or sanity.
On you tube are several videos how to make Specner Brass...
Off and on center fire Spencer blocks are for sale. Patience and searching will find you one. Running about $150-200

This OP's rifle is not a Spencer, just uses the cartridge. The one in question is a single shot

[gc45]

My Sharps has also been converted long ago. They are great rifles and built so well too.

[missionary5155]

Sharps & Hankins..... Start looking how to convert. That one would be easy.

[toot]

that is where that I am going to GOOGLE search. thanks".

[Lostinidaho]

The first models had the firing pin on the hammer. The later models had floating firing pin in the breech block. The floating firing pin would be easier to convert.

[toot]

I have the floating firing pin one at the top of the breach face. on how to convert on GOOGLE SEARCH, nothing comes up. I have an origional rim fire JOYSLYN ROUND that goes into battery and extracts. I am not going to attempt firing it. but the bullet head mic's out at .526 I believe, I could be wrong. and my SHARPS & HANKINS bore is .530.